Three Plants That Attract Butterflies, Hummingbirds and Ladybugs

Hummingbirds, butterflies and ladybugs are pollinators. They spread pollen from one plant to another, causing flowers to bloom and trees and bushes to bear fruit, while being an enjoyable source of entertainment when relaxing on sunny days. It is easy to lure hummingbirds, butterflies and ladybugs to gardens by choosing colorful and nectar-rich plants. Beebalm, butterfly bushes and cornflowers are easy to grow and known to attract these beneficial pollinators.

Considerations to Attract Pollinators

Butterflies, hummingbirds and ladybugs are attracted to three things: food, blooms and colors. When establishing your pollinator garden, offer flowers rich with nectar and pollen. Nectar provides carbohydrates that fast-moving hummingbirds and butterflies require and ladybugs will eat pollen as a source of protein in addition to devouring pests like aphids. Flower structure matters and tubular petals are ideal receptacles for hummingbirds to hover over and collect pollen while butterflies and ladybugs require open flowers that they can land on. Bright colors attract pollinators and the most attractive tones are orange, yellow, white and purple. Whenever possible, choose native plants which require less maintenance and are most appropriate for the needs of local wildlife.

"Beebalm"

Beebalm (Monarda didyma) is a perennial plant that thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. Known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, plants produce clustered tubular flowers from June through August that are available in a variety of colors including red, orange, violet and white. Plants grow up to 4 feet high and 3 feet wide with boxy stems and ample oblong leaves. Plant beebalm in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight) or partial sun (four to six hours) in moist soil. If the soil gets dry, beebalm can get powdery mildew. Deadhead flowers regularly so that the plants will flower all summer.

"Butterfly Bush"

Butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii) is a perennial shrub that thrives in USDA zones 5 through 9. Known to attract butterflies, hummingbirds and ladybugs, these shrubs produce tall clusters of flowers from June through August in a variety of colors including purple, blue, yellow and white. The butterfly bush can grow up to 10 feet high and 10 feet wide with invasive potential. The plants have boxy stems and dark green or grayish wide leaves. Plant butterfly bushes in full sun with moderately damp soil that has good drainage. Too much water will make the roots rot. Like bee balm, deadheading flowers will help the butterfly bush flower all summer. Each spring, bushes can be hard pruned to one foot off the ground. Do not prune during fall or winter, if in an area prone to frosts, to avoid damage from cold.

"Cornflower" or "Bachelor's Button"

The cornflower or bachelor's button (Centaurea cyanus) is an annual or biennial that thrives in USDA zones 1 through 11. Known to attract ladybugs, these flowers produce bright blue blossoms from May through September. They are also available in white, pink and purple varieties. The bachelor's button grows up to 3 feet high and 1 foot wide. Plant cornflowers in full sun. These hardy flowers can flourish in many soil types and are disease resistant. Florists often dry cornflowers to add color to floral arrangements.

About the Author

Cara Clarke is a teacher, writer, parent and farmer. She has a master's degree in education, as well as experience in secondary English and special education. With her husband, she owns Thyme Stands Still Farm in the beautiful Finger Lakes.